As gardeners, we are in a great position to help fight invasive plants and protect native ecosystems. Invasive plants in Minnesota harm native plants and animals, damaging the state’s prairies, forests, wetlands, lakes, and rivers. They can impact our ability to enjoy natural spaces and even negatively affect agriculture and other important sectors. But what can …
Landscaping
Cleaning up invasive species might seem like a job better left to park rangers and other professionals, but about half of the worst invasive plants in Michigan began in gardens. These nonnative ornamentals spread beyond our manicured landscapes to take over natural spaces, crowding out native plants and disrupting ecosystems. But how do you distinguish between …
Numerous plants from other parts of the world have been introduced to New England — and other areas of the US due to their beautiful flowers, stunning fall foliage, and other attractive qualities. Unfortunately, many of these plants spread aggressively and have escaped their bounds to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. They displace native species …
When selecting plants to grow in our home gardens, we often focus on appearance, size, and growing requirements. But there is another factor we should consider as well: invasiveness. Native vegetation attracts birds, butterflies, and other beautiful and beneficial wildlife. Invasive plants, on the other hand, choke out native species and alter ecosystems. They can …
The best garden arbors can transform your garden space by adding shade, a focal point, and a support structure for climbing plants. They’re perfect for those of us who want to turn out yard into a backyard oasis, and there are options to suit any style and budget! A beautiful garden arbor or trellis is …
If you’ve always dreamed of having a garden filled with sweet-smelling blooms that delight your senses every time you step outside, you’ll need to plant a few of the roses on my list of the most fragrant roses for your garden. With so many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique aroma and …
Creating a rose flower garden for your front yard will reward you with exceptional beauty and elegance, with its vibrant colors and fragrant scents that captivate the senses. It’s no wonder that roses have captured the hearts of many gardening enthusiasts and flower lovers alike. We’ll look at the steps needed to create a spectacular …
If you need an easy to maintain landscape for your home, check out this quick and easy guide about how to create a rock garden. You’ll see that once you set it up, there’s little need for fussing over this kind of garden. Rock gardens were originally gardens that were grown between rocks in the …
Lavender, like many herbs, can be difficult to propagate from seed, so you will likely want to purchase seedlings to transplant when first starting out. The question then arises, Where to buy lavender plants? A local, reputable nursery or other supplier is often the best choice, as they will offer lavender varieties suited to your …
Although lavender grows best in dry, well-drained soil, it still benefits from mulch, which has other uses beyond improving water retention. First, adding mulch around lavender plants will help reduce weeds. Weeds, of course, compete with lavender for space and nutrients, and they can also increase humidity and soil moisture and act as disease vectors. …